1. Order of Christian Funerals Study Edition (1989); Liturgy Training Publications, Chicago 2. To Honor the Dead (1997); A Pastoral Letter from Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan, Archdiocese of Santa Fe Introduction “If one member suffers in the body of Christ which is the Church, all the members suffer with that member” (1 Cor. 12:26). By virtue of our baptism, we are responsible for one another. When one of us is sick or lacking in basic needs, the Christian community comes to their aid. So too, when a member of the body suffers death, we are all called to ministry – to bring consolation to those who are grieving. This consolation is rooted in the hope of resurrection. “Christian hope faces the reality of death and the anguish of grief but trusts confidently that the power of sin and death has been vanquished by the risen Lord.”1 All of us, regardless of our place in the Church, are called to share in this ministry of consolation. It is the responsibility of the entire community. This is why the Church places great importance on the celebration of the funeral rites. We offer worship, praise and thanksgiving to God for the gift of a life which has now been returned to God. While the Mass is the principal celebration of a Christian funeral, the Church provides a richness of prayer throughout the grieving process. Prayers, with those who are grieving, the funeral vigil, final commendation, committal service, and various rites are intended to assist in the consolation of the living. Through these rites, the Church manifests that it cares for the deceased, those who were baptized, for catechumens, and for children who died prior to being baptized, whose parents would have wished for their baptism. “We know Not the Day nor the Hour. All too often we fail to prepare for our own death or that of a loved one.”2 As Christians, we believe that death is a transition, not an end. Thus, it is fitting that we prepare ourselves and our loved ones for a life in Heaven. This booklet offers information to help with these preparations. It assists those who are mourning, and are planning for the funeral of a loved one. It offers practical information to individuals who are making funeral arrangements for the future, as well as, an aid to parish ministers who provide a ministry of consolation. It is a timeless resource that offers general information which can be of assistance today or utilized in the future. For more specific and detailed information, you may contact your local parish, funeral home, cemetery, or legal adviser. You may also contact the Catholic Cemetery Association or visit its website at: www.asfcca.org. 8 Catholic Cemetery Association - Funeral Planning Guide